Medallion gameball

ABSTRACT

A medallion ball comprising a bladder fabricated of an air impervious elastomeric material in a spherical configuration; a carcass coupled to the exterior surface of the bladder with a recess formed in the carcass; and a medallion positionable in a central region of the recess with the medallion having an exterior surface with indicia.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

[0001] This application is a continuation in part of application Ser.No. 09/405,898 which is a continuation in part of application Ser. No.09/019,997, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a medallion gameball and moreparticularly pertains to providing distinctive indicia in the form of amedallion on the surface of a gameball.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0003] The use of balls with indicia of various designs andconfigurations is known in the prior art. More specifically, balls withindicia of various designs and configurations heretofore devised andutilized for the purpose of marking balls and other objects with indiciathrough various methods and apparatuses are known to consist basicallyof familiar, expected, and obvious structural configurations,notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded priorart which has been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectivesand requirements.

[0004] By way of example, note U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,345 to Lai et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,552 to Meyer, U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,372 to Ratner etal., U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,699 to Mather, U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,234 toPalmquist and U.S. Pat. No. 3,091,562 to J. C. Berlepsch, Jr., et al.

[0005] While these devices fulfill their respective, particularobjectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describemedallion gameball that allows providing distinctive indicia in the formof a medallion to the surface of a gameball or other objects.

[0006] In this respect, the medallion gameball according to the presentinvention substantially departs from the conventional concepts anddesigns of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatusprimarily developed for the purpose of providing distinctive indicia inthe form of a medallion within the surface of gameballs.

[0007] Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuingneed for a new and improved medallion gameball which can be used forproviding distinctive indicia in the form of a medallion within thesurface of gameballs. In this regard, the present inventionsubstantially fulfills this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the knowntypes of balls with indicia of various designs and configurations nowpresent in the prior art, the present invention provides an improvedmedallion gameball. As such, the general purpose of the presentinvention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is toprovide a new and improved medallion gameball and method which has allthe advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

[0009] To attain this, one aspect of the present invention essentiallycomprises a bladder fabricated of an air impervious elastomeric materialin a spherical configuration with spiral strands; a carcass in aspherical configuration overlying the strands with a recess formed as anoval formed in its exterior surface, the oval having a depth of betweenabout 0.5 and 3.5 millimeters, preferably about 2.0 millimeters, with amajor axis constituting between 3 and 20 percent, preferably about 8.5percent, of the circumference of the carcass, the carcass having aseries of oval ribs with a thickness of between about 0.2 and 2.0millimeters, preferably about 1.0 millimeters, extending outwardly awayfrom the carcass; a plurality of panels coupled to the exterior surfaceof the carcass between the ribs, the panels having a thickness ofbetween about 0.2 and 2.0 millimeters, preferably about 1.0 millimeters,with an oval aperture formed in one of the panels to expose the recessin the carcass and an oval rib; and a medallion positioned on thecarcass in a central region of the recess with the medallion having anexterior surface with indicia formed thereon with a layer of atransparent polymer over the indicia.

[0010] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofthat follows may be better understood and in order that the presentcontribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course,additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafterand which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0011] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not beregarded as limiting.

[0012] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that theconception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilizedas a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systemsfor carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It isimportant, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including suchequivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spiritand scope of the present invention.

[0013] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide anew and improved medallion gameball which has all of the advantages ofthe prior art balls with indicia of various designs and configurationsand none of the disadvantages.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a newand improved medallion gameball which may be easily and efficientlymanufactured and marketed.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a newand improved medallion gameball which is of durable and reliableconstructions.

[0016] As even further object of the present invention is to provide anew and improved medallion gameball which is susceptible of a low costof manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and whichaccordingly is them susceptible of low prices of sale to the consumingpublic, thereby making such Medallion gameball economically available tothe buying public.

[0017] Even still another object of the present invention is to providea medallion gameball for providing distinctive indicia in the form of amedallion within the surface of gameballs.

[0018] Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a newand improved medallion gameball including a bladder fabricated of an airimpervious elastomeric material in a spherical configuration with spiralstrands therearound, a carcass coupled to the exterior surface of thebladder with a recess formed in the carcass, and a medallionpositionable in a central region of the recess with the medallion havingan exterior surface with indicia formed.

[0019] These together with other objects f the invention, along with thevarious features of novelty which characterized the invention, arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming apart of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, itis operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses,reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptivematter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The invention will be better understood and objects other thanthose set forth above will become apparent when consideration is givento the following detailed description thereof. Such description makesreference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0021]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of themedallion gameball constructed in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention.

[0022]FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the medallion portion of the ball ofFIG. 1.

[0023]FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 1 without the exterior covering toexpose the interior structure.

[0024]FIG. 4 is similar to FIGS. 1 and 3 with only a portion of theinterior exposed.

[0025]FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1.

[0026]FIG. 6 is an enlarged view taken at the circle 6 of FIG. 5.

[0027]FIG. 7 is similar to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, but illustrating analternative embodiment of the invention.

[0028]FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken along line 8-8 ofFIG. 7.

[0029]FIG. 9 is a view of a gameball employing a flanged medallion.

[0030]FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

[0031]FIG. 11 is a view of a volleyball employing the flanged medallionof the present invention.

[0032]FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11.

[0033] The same reference numerals refer to the same parts through thevarious figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0034] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1thereof, the preferred embodiment of the new and improved medalliongameball embodying the principles and concepts of the present inventionand generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

[0035] The gameball 10 includes an exterior surface. The medalliongameball comprises a medallion disposed within an aperture in thegameball exterior surface and substantially flush with, or recessedbelow, the gameball exterior surface. The medallion of FIG. 1 is shownas being oval, however the medallion may have any shape, for example itmay be circular or polygonal. The medallion is fabricated of a rigid orsemi-rigid polymeric material with indicia 36 therein. The indicia cantake on many forms. The indicia can include text or pictures. Theindicia can be a hologram. The indicia can comprise a thermochromicmaterial that changes appearance with changes in temperature. Theindicia can comprise a photochromic material that changes appearancewith changes in lighting. A layer of conventional transparent polymericmaterial, for example urethane, is formed over the indicia 36. Thetransparent polymeric material forms an exterior surface 34 of themedallion and functions to protect the indicia during use of thegameball.

[0036] For ease of understanding and clarity of description, theinventive medallion gameball is below described in its application tobasketballs. It should be understood that the invention herein isequally applicable to other gameballs such as, for example, golf balls,softballs, baseballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, footballs, rugby ballsand tennis balls.

[0037] The central component of the medallion basketball is a bladder12. Such bladder is preferably fabricated of an air imperviouselastomeric material in a spherical configuration. The preferredmaterial is a vulcanized butyl rubber compound, such as, for example,Exxon Butyl 065 or Polysar Butyl 100. Such bladder is wrapped withstrands 16. Such strands are of essentially inelastic material,preferably nylon or polyester multi-filament strands wrapped around thebladder in random configuration to maintain the size and shape of theball when inflated and during use.

[0038] A carcass 22 is formed over the windings. Such carcass isfabricated of a rubber compound molded over the wound bladder. Naturalrubber cis polyisoprene) is preferred for improved rebound and abrasionresistance. A mixture of rubbers may also be used, such as naturalrubber and styrene butadiene rubber. Such carcass has an oval rib 24.Such rib has a thickness of between about 0.2 and 2.0 millimeters,preferably about 1.0 millimeters. In addition, a plurality ofsupplemental ribs 26 are provided. Such ribs have a thickness of betweenabout 0.2 and 2.0 millimeters, preferably about 1.0 millimetersextending outwardly away from the carcass.

[0039] The carcass is molded to include a recess 18. The recess isformed as an oval in the exterior surface of the carcass. The recessarea has a depth of between about 0.5 and 3.5 millimeters, preferably2.0 millimeters. The major axis of the oval constitutes between 3 and 20percent, preferably about 8.5 percent, of the circumference of thecarcass.

[0040] The basketball 10 also comprises a plurality of panels 28,preferably leather, coupled to the exterior surface of the carcassbetween the supplemental ribs. Such panels may be of a natural leatheror of a synthetic leather. These panels have a thickness of betweenabout 0.2 and 2.0 millimeters, preferably about 1.0 millimeters. An ovalaperture 30 is formed in one of the panels to expose the recess in thecarcass and the oval rib.

[0041] Finally, the medallion basketball comprises a medallion 32positionable on the carcass in a central region of the recess. Themedallion is preferably secured in position by a pressure sensitiveadhesive or a flexible cross-linked urethane adhesive.

[0042] Other adhesives are also suitable for use in securing themedallion to the carcass. One such adhesive is a pressure sensitive hotmelt adhesive, such as PL919 offered by SIA Adhesives, Incorporated ofChicago, Ill. In the preferred embodiment, a layer of between 0.005″ and0.015″ is applied to the back of the medallion. Subsequently, both themedallion and the ball are heated. The goal of such heating is to bringthe adhesive to about 250 degrees Fahrenheit. After heated the medallionis pressed into position in such a manner that intimate contact betweenthe ball and medallion is achieved. To this end, a contoured tool may beutilized. Upon cooling, the medallion is secured to the carcass.

[0043] A second possible adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive. Onesuch pressure sensitive adhesive is a system from 3M which employs a#300LSE high strength acrylic adhesive and 9671LE and 9672LE laminatingadhesives. In utilizing such a system, heat is not required to activatethe adhesive, but is helpful in ensuring proper contact between thecarcass and medallion.

[0044] A contact adhesive is yet another alternative. A suitable contactadhesive is 3M's 1357 contact adhesive. In utilizing this alternative,the contact adhesive is applied to both the ball and medallion. Thesolvent contained in the adhesive is then allowed to flash, therebyremoving the solvent from the adhesive and increasing its tackiness.Optionally, a second layer of adhesive can then be applied. Themedallion and carcass are then brought into contact. After 24 hours afull strength bond is achieved. In all of the above described adhesivealternatives, cleaning the bonded surfaces before adhesive applicationresults in superior results. Alcohol, or other suitable solvents, can beemployed in cleaning the surfaces. Additionally, adhesive promoters orprimers can be used. An example of a suitable primer is LordCorporation's Chemlock 77707 primer.

[0045] In another embodiment the medallion 52 incorporates a flange 54.Such flange 54 is integral with the periphery of the medallion 52 and isused in securing the medallion 52 in place. More specifically, theflange 54 is covered by one or more of the plurality of panels of theball. In this manner, the flanged medallion 52 provides for increasedsecurement between the medallion 52 and ball. Naturally, the adhesivemay also be used to additionally secure the medallion to the gameball.In the preferred embodiment the flange 54 is between ⅛″ to ¼″ in widthand is formed about the entire perimeter of the medallion 52. In analternative embodiment, the flange 54 is scalloped is reduce wrinklingonce secured to the ball. The flange 54, however, is not covered withthe urethane dome, as is the center of the medallion 52. Additionally,the upper panel 56 of the ball includes a cut out 58 sized to expose thecenter of the medallion 52, but not the flange 54. Namely, when securedthe laminated panel 56 covers the flange 54 but not the urethane dome.In this manner only the dome portion of the medallion 52 containing theindicia 36 is visible.

[0046] The preferred thickness of the medallion 52 is about 0.05″ with amanufacturing tolerance on thickness of about +/−0.10. Such a thicknessenables the surface of the medallion 52 to be flush with the remainderof the surface of the gameball. The medallion 52 can be formed into avariety of shapes. Nonetheless, the preferred medallion 52 has majordiameters of 1.5″ and 2.6″. An alternative size employs diameters of1.3″ and 2.4″. The size and shape of the medallion 52 is, in part,dependent upon the type of ball upon which it is employed. For example,the medallions of the present invention can be affixed to other types ofinflated balls, including soccer balls, volleyballs and footballs. Anexample of a volleyball employing the flanged medallion 52 isillustrated in FIG. 11.

[0047] An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 7and 8. In such embodiment, the panels 38 are formed integral with thecarcass. Such panels are preferably formed with a surface to simulatethe appearance and feel of natural leather. In such embodiment one panelincludes a recess 40 molded therein to a depth equal to the depth of thecarcass between the ribs where the medallion is received as in theprimary embodiment as discussed above and with a medallion discussedabove. This allows for a less costly fabrication then would occur withthe previously described embodiment wherein the separate leather panelsare individually coupled to the carcass.

[0048] In another embodiment the medallion is incorporated in anon-spherical gameball such as an American football. The footballcomprises a layer of bladder material such as the previously describedbutyl rubber or a polyurethane material. A reinforcing lining is locatedimmediately over the bladder, and immediately over the lining, a leathercover is situated. A lining is employed to help the ball retain theproper shape and to provide additional strength and mechanicalreinforcing to the cover material. Significant amounts of stress andstrain are imposed on the cover by the forces generated by the inflatedbladder. Typically, the ball is inflated to about 12-15 psi and much ofthis force is imposed on the leather cover. Overstress conditions can beimposed through kicking, bouncing, and the rough handling that a balltypically receives while in play. The lining helps the ball maintainshape and structural integrity in the face of these conditions. Thecover material is formed of synthetic leather or natural leather panelsthat have been tanned. The football cover includes a seam where panelsof the leather cover of the ball meet and are sewn together. Aperturesformed in the cover of the ball allow the passage of lacings that sealan opening in the cover through which the bladder and liner areinserted. One panel includes an aperture in which a medallion isdisposed. The medallion may be secured in place mechanically with aflange or by adhesive as previously described. The thickness of themedallion is controlled so that the exterior of the medallion ispreferably flush with the exterior of the leather panel.

[0049] In other embodiments the medallion is incorporated between thecore and cover of other gameballs. For example, the medallion may beincorporated between the cork and winding core and leather cover of asoftball or baseball in similar fashion to that described above.Alternatively, the medallion may be incorporated between the core andcover of a golf ball or tennis ball. In any embodiment it is preferredthat the medallion fit within an aperture in the cover so that theexterior of the medallion is substantially flush with the exteriorsurface of the gameball.

[0050] As to the manner of usage and operation of the present invention,the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, nofurther discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will beprovided.

[0051] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only ofthe principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modificationsand changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to falling within the scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. a game ball comprising: a core supporting anouter cover, the outer cover defining an aperture therein and anexterior surface; and a medallion positioned within the aperture andsubstantially flush with or recessed below the exterior surface.
 2. Thegame ball of claim 1 , wherein the aperture defines a circumferentialshape and the medallion comprises a shape registerable with the apertureshape.
 3. The game ball of claim 1 , wherein the medallion comprises apolygonal shape.
 4. The game ball of claim 1 , wherein the medallioncomprises a hologram.
 5. The game ball of claim 1 , wherein themedallion comprises a thermochromic material.
 6. The game ball of claim1 , wherein the medallion comprises a photochromic material.
 7. The gameball of claim 1 comprising a non-spherical shape.
 8. The game ball ofclaim 1 comprising a football.
 9. The game ball of claim 1 selected fromthe group consisting of a golf ball, a softball, a baseball, abasketball, a soccer ball, a volley ball, a football and a tennis ball.10. The game ball of claim 1 , wherein the outer cover defines anexterior surface and the medallion is recessed below the surface. 11.The game ball of claim 1 , wherein the core is selected from the groupconsisting of an inflatable bladder overlaid by a reinforcing layer anda cork center overlaid by filaments.
 12. An inflatable game ballcomprising: an inflatable bladder; a reinforcing layer overlying thebladder; a cover overlying the reinforcing layer, the cover defining anexterior surface and an aperture therein; and a medallion disposedwithin the aperture and substantially flush with or below the exteriorsurface.
 13. The game ball of claim 12 , wherein the medallion extendsinwardly beyond an interior surface of the cover.
 14. The game ball ofclaim 12 , wherein the cover is comprised of a plurality of panels.